Herzog Transit Services selected to operate KC Streetcar

KANSAS CITY, Missouri — The Kansas City Streetcar Operations Committee recommended to city officials Herzog Transit Services, Inc. as the vendor to operate and maintain the Kansas City Downtown Streetcar starter line.

Herzog Transit Services, Inc., located in St. Joseph, Mo., is a national provider of rail transit services, operating systems in Los Angeles, Austin, Dallas and San Francisco. A division of Herzog is part of the joint venture that is constructing the downtown streetcar.

The Streetcar Operations Committee comprises of representatives from the city of Kansas City, Mo., the Kansas City Streetcar Authority, the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority, Mid-America Regional Council and the Downtown Council. The Streetcar Operations Committee, subject to approval by the city officials and the Streetcar Authority board, will soon begin to negotiate a contract with Herzog Transit Services.

Once a notice to proceed is given, Herzog Transit Services is expected to begin consulting on remaining construction activities and develop standard operating procedures. Herzog is also expected to hire streetcar operators, assist with vehicle delivery and testing and fulfill required federal and state safety certifications.

The recommendation represents the final streetcar-related vendor selection. Herzog Transit Services, Inc., is expected to be responsible for all day-to-day functions related to streetcar operations, including but not limited to: maintenance of vehicles; inspection and maintenance of the electrical system and tracks; customer service; and managing, hiring and training streetcar staff.

Once complete, the Kansas City Downtown Streetcar starter line will include a two-mile streetcar route along Main Street, connecting the River Market neighborhood to Union Station. For more information about the Kansas City Streetcar, visit http://www.kcstreetcar.org/. For more information about Herzog Transit Services, Inc., visit http://www.htsi.com/.